Photo: Ptrktn

How about skiing in Finland? Imagine skiing in deep silence on a cold winter day, surrounded by snowy hills in the wilderness? How about enjoying a tasty meal made of reindeer while the light of an open fire flickers outside your cottage? How about going to a hot smoke sauna, then swimming in a hole cut in the ice-covered lake, and sleeping in an igloo? All this is possible in Finland, far away from all the hustle and bustle of metropolitan cities. 

Finland provides ski experiences you won't get anywhere else. Although Finnish ski resorts are much smaller than those in Central Europe, skiing in Finland can be a unique and different experience. Perhaps this is the reason why every year thousands of skiers England, Germany, Japan, Russia and elsewhere travel to Finland.

Five best ski resorts in Finland

There are several dozen ski resorts in Finland, but only a few are worth visiting from abroad. In this article, I will introduce you to the five best ski resorts in Finland.

Pyhä - Ski resort where Finnish ski bums and seasonnaires meet

Photo: Anttrouh

I was born in the middle of Lapland, in a small village north of the Arctic Circle. I learned to ski at six years of age, and I went skiing almost every single weekend at my "home hill", Pyhä ski resort. In 1997 I went skiing abroad. I skied many interesting resorts in France, Italy and Switzerland, but every spring I returned back to my "home hill" Pyhä ski resort because it was the place to meet all the other ski bums and die-hard skiers.

Pyhä ski resort is like Jackson Hole, but again a lot smaller. Pyhä ski resort is known for providing the most challenging runs and backcountries in Finland, and that's the reason why ski bums meet there. Pyhä is pretty small, but it also offers many other winter activities. After-ski in Pyhä is fairly mellow. There are a couple of nice restaurants where skiers meet after a long day of skiing. If you are looking for good slopes and genuine Finnish backcountries, Pyhä ski resort is the place for you.

Saariselkä - Peaceful and charming ski resort for families and older skiers

Photo: YoungRobV

Finland is a northern country with 5 million inhabitants. Almost all the people live in the southern part of the country. The farther north you go, the less people you meet. Saariselkä ski resort is located quite high above the Arctic Circle, and it is one of the most silent ski resorts in Finland. Alpine skiing in Saariselkä is not the main point, but the relaxing silence and nature is. Saariselkä is good for families and older people, because in addition to a number of fairly easy slopes, the resort also features a spa and other wellness services.

Saariselkä ski resort is where Sami people live. When you spend your holidays at Saariselkä ski resort, you can experience the unique and exotic culture of Sami people. You can even see street signs written in both Sami and Finnish languages. After-ski in Saariselkä is pretty quiet, leaving plenty of opportunity to enjoy the silence of the northern wilderness.

Ylläs - Biggest Finnish ski resort with longest runs

Photo: Ristok

Just like Saariselkä, Ylläs ski resort is located far to the north in Finland, but more on the western edge of the country. Ylläs is one of the biggest ski resorts in Finland. In addition to the longest runs in Finland, Ylläs also provides many other winter and snow activities. Ylläs is located near Levi and Kittilä airport, so accessing Ylläs is very easy.

From an after-ski point of view, Ylläs ski resort is also pretty quiet, at least in comparison to the neighboring Levi ski resort. Ylläs provides fine dining and a couple of bars, but "party animals" usually stay away from Ylläs. If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing place to ski and enjoy nature, check out Ylläs ski resort in Finland.

Pallas - Unique place to enjoy the silence of the wilderness

Photo: Blog20

The last Finnish ski resort in this list is totally different from the others. Pallas is a very unique ski resort, almost a well-kept secret. Pallas has only a few runs and a couple of lifts as well as one hotel and restaurant. Pallas ski resort is very quiet and peaceful, so those looking for wild after-ski should point their skis toward Levi ski resort.

The best thing in Pallas is the almost palpable silence. During the darkest time (January) you can feel the wild nature around you, hear the Willow Grouse and see big groups of reindeers. Pallas ski resort is one of the best places for sky watching and observing the northern lights. Pallas can provide you an unforgettable experience. Check out Pallas ski resort for a completely different skiing holiday.

Levi - The most versatile ski resort in Finland

Photo: Kaimp

Levi ski resort in Finland is like a miniature version of Les Trois Vallees in France. Levi is the most versatile Finnish ski resort in that it not only provides excellent skiing in different forms, but also other winter activities, such as snow mobile safaris, reindeer safaris, winter fishing, horseback riding and arctic rally driving.

Levi ski resort features 44 runs and 28 lifts, quality hotels, luxury cottages and a spa. After-ski in Levi is pretty wild, so prepare to stay up late with all the other party animals. Levi ski resort is easy to access because of the nearby airport in Kittilä. Having a car in Levi makes it easy to get around, so consider renting a car beforehand.

Go further: Read Thomas Uhrskovs portrait of Sainte Foy and click here to read about storming skiing in St. Anton.